Chargers drop pair to Ashland

Monday

Apr 8, 2013 at 9:00 AM

By Ed Patino

ed.patino@hillsdale.netHILLSDALE — On a day when the Hillsdale College softball team raised awareness for cancer, the Ashland University Eagles spoiled the party.Mistakes proved costly for the Chargers as they were swept in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader Sunday, falling 8-2 and 6-4 to Ashland at Johnny Williams Field.Hillsdale (3-14, 2-8 GLIAC) committed eight errors over the two games. Ashland (16-13, 10-4 GLIAC) raced out to a big lead in the first inning of the opener, then Taylor Menhart's three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh capped an Eagles rally in the second game.The doubleheader was part of Prostrate Cancer Awareness Weekend at Hillsdale. The Chargers wore powder blue uniforms, and several events were held on campus during the day.In the first game, Ashland scored five runs in the top of the first inning, four of which were unearned. Jerrica Young scored on a throwing error, then Jen Moore came home on Franki Gironda's RBI single. Menhart scored on a RBI single by Carly West, then Kourtney Yarnall scored on a passed ball. Tawna Garver's RBI single later in the frame scored West, making it 5-0.Ashland added another run in the top of the second, then Young's solo home run in the fourth inning made it 7-0.The Chargers plated both of their runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ainsley Ellison scored on Sarah Grunert's flyout, then Katie Ardrey's RBI double scored Taylor Schulty, making it 7-2.Ashland tacked on another unearned run in the top of the sixth.Schulty went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Hillsdale. Kristi Gordon was 2-for-4, while Grunert and Ardrey each had a hit and a RBI.Sarah Klopfer started the game and took the pitching loss, allowing seven runs (three earned) on eight hits in three innings. Brittany Hulett pitched the rest of the game, scattering two hits and striking out three.Gironda went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Young was 1-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored to lead Ashland. Amber McDermott pitched five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out six for the win.Trailing 3-1 after two innings in the nightcap, the Chargers fought back to take the lead. Miriam McKay blasted a solo home run in the top of the fourth inning, then Courtney Day's RBI single scored Kate Hoop. Day brought home Hoop again in the top of the seventh with a flyout, giving Hillsdale a 4-3 lead.Ashland answered in the bottom half of the frame. After two Hillsdale errors, Menhart drilled her three-run homer over the center field fence to give the Eagles the win.Gordon went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Chargers, while Day was 1-for-2 with two RBIs. Ardrey took the pitching loss, allowing six runs (one earned) on nine hits while striking out five in six full innings.Menhart was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored to lead Ashland, while Young was 2-for-4 with a RBI. McKenna Galloway earned the pitching win in relief.The Chargers are scheduled to host Saginaw Valley State for a doubleheader Wednesday.